County Unemployment Rate Remains Low

Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in March, essentially the
same as the previous month (4.7%), but lower than the year before (5.9%). It was higher than the
statewide rate (3.8%) but the same as the national rate (4.5%).

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 40 in March to 18,020 jobs. Seasonally
adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A gain of 220 jobs was expected for
the month, but the county added 260 jobs. The private sector employment increased by 140, and
government employment jumped by 120. Leisure and hospitality added 160 jobs, but food
manufacturing shed 30 jobs. Indian tribal government rose by 120 jobs. Other industries had smaller
changes.

March’s total nonfarm employment was 70 more than one year before, a growth rate of 0.4 percent.
The private sector shed 100 jobs, and government employment rose by 170. Industries adding the most
jobs over the year were leisure and hospitality (+90) and financial activities (+50). Food manufacturing
lost 100 jobs over the year, and construction was down 90 jobs. Local government, including education
and tribal, added 210 jobs over the year. State government cut 50 jobs.